Botanical atlas
Narrow-leaved Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata)
Eucalyptus radiata
Long before it was bottled as an essential oil, the narrow, peppermint-scented leaves of Eucalyptus radiata were gathered by Aboriginal peoples of southeastern Australia, who crushed and inhaled them, or brewed the leaves into a vapor, to ease coughs, colds, and aching heads. Early European settlers took quickly to the tree once they arrived in Australia, hanging bundles of its leaves in sickrooms and steeping them for the fragrant steam. Because its aroma is softer and sweeter than the more medicinal-smelling Eucalyptus globulus, radiata became the gentler, more approachable eucalyptus of the family, prized for the same clearing, opening quality but without the sharp bite. Today it remains one of the most trusted eucalyptus species in aromatherapy and natural respiratory care, still reached for at the first sign of a stuffy nose.
In tradition.
Long before it was bottled as an essential oil, the narrow, peppermint-scented leaves of Eucalyptus radiata were gathered by Aboriginal peoples of southeastern Australia, who crushed and inhaled them, or brewed the leaves into a vapor, to ease coughs, colds, and aching heads. Early European settlers took quickly to the tree once they arrived in Australia, hanging bundles of its leaves in sickrooms and steeping them for the fragrant steam. Because its aroma is softer and sweeter than the more medicinal-smelling Eucalyptus globulus, radiata became the gentler, more approachable eucalyptus of the family, prized for the same clearing, opening quality but without the sharp bite. Today it remains one of the most trusted eucalyptus species in aromatherapy and natural respiratory care, still reached for at the first sign of a stuffy nose.
Traditional preparations.
A traditional way to open up a stuffy head and chest, using nothing more than hot water and the fragrant leaves.
Traditionally, a small handful of fresh or dried leaves (about 2 to 3 tablespoons) is placed in a heatproof bowl and covered with just-boiled water. Lean over the bowl with a towel draped over the head to trap the steam, keeping a comfortable distance from the water, and breathe gently for 5 to 10 minutes.
A gentle way eucalyptus has traditionally been carried on the skin, meant to be smelled with each breath rather than absorbed in any quantity.
Traditionally, no more than 1 to 2 drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil are blended into 1 tablespoon of a plain carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba, and a small amount is massaged over the chest and upper back.
Safety.
Eucalyptus oil is for inhalation and diluted topical use only; swallowing even a small amount of the undiluted oil can be fatal to a young child, so keep it sealed and out of reach of children and pets. It's also avoided around the face of infants and young children due to the risk of breathing spasms.
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